Understanding how tiny vesicles are formed and sorted in a model organism.

Elucidating biogenesis and cargo sorting mechanisms for discrete extracellular vesicle subpopulations in C. elegans

NIH-funded research University of Delaware · NIH-11159161

This study is looking at tiny bubbles called extracellular vesicles that help cells talk to each other, which can be important for understanding diseases like cancer and brain disorders, and it aims to find out how these bubbles are made and what they carry, so we can use them to help detect and treat illnesses better.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Delaware NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11159161 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the mechanisms behind the formation and sorting of extracellular vesicles (EVs) in the model organism C. elegans. By studying these vesicles, which play a crucial role in cell communication and can be involved in diseases like cancer and neurodegenerative disorders, the research aims to uncover how different types of EVs are produced and what specific cargo they carry. The approach involves using fluorescent tagging to visualize and differentiate between various EV subpopulations, providing insights into their biological functions and potential therapeutic applications. This work could lead to advancements in using EVs as biomarkers for disease detection and treatment.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include individuals affected by neurodegenerative diseases or cancers, as the findings may lead to new diagnostic tools or treatments.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to the biological mechanisms of extracellular vesicles may not receive direct benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance our understanding of disease mechanisms and improve the development of EV-based diagnostics and therapies.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding extracellular vesicles, indicating that this area of study is both relevant and potentially impactful.

Where this research is happening

Newark, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.